FA Cup
Gillingham 0-2 West Ham United 

Sunday, 5th January 2020
by Chris Wilkerson

West Ham are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a thoroughly professional performance at the Priestfield Stadium.

Having been knocked out of the competition in the last two seasons by League One teams supporters could've been forgiven for harbouring concerns going into tonight's tie.


Embed from Getty Images
Zaba's first goal in three years set West Ham on their way


But in the end the Hammers breezed through to the next round following a dominating second half performance, during which both goals arrived.

Pablo Zabaleta was the unlikely scorer of the opening goal - the veteran full back only on the pitch due to Ryan Fredericks' retirement with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

The 34-year-old scored from close range 16 minutes from time, before fellow substitute Pablo Fornals confirmed West Ham' place in the next stage of the competition with his third goal of the season in added-on time.

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Player Ratings

Lukasz Fabianski
Dealt with what little he had to do with aplomb; he's face tougher tests in the coming weeks.


Ryan Fredericks
This would have been a good test for the wing back but he pulled up early doors with what looked like a hamstring.


Arthur Masuaku
A very busy night for Masuaku, who Moyes clearly views as someone with more to offer going forward - hence his inclusion at wing back.


Issa Diop
Looked good in Moyes' new three-man defence and dominated throughout.


Fabian Balbuena
Busy and frequently in the right place to win a header or stick out a foot, whenever the Gills threatened.


Angelo Ogbonna
A commanding performance which was punctuated by frequent forays into the opposition half; given license to roam in areas where he'd previously have suffered a nosebleed.


Declan Rice
Solid if unspectacular and a bonus mark for applauding the home fans too, which was well appreciated by the Gills fans.


Robert Snodgrass
A busy boy although he failed to provide the cutting edge required.


Manuel Lanzini
A particular favourite of new manager Moyes and he was unsurprisingly involved in much of West Ham's attacking play.


Felipe Anderson
Restored to the starting XI and reinvigorated under Moyes' leadership. The Brazilian was a constant menace and tormented Gillingham's defence.


Sebastien Haller
Missed an absolute sitter before finding the woodwork from an acute angle; he'll need to improve in order to persuade Moyes he deserves a regular spot in the starting XI.



Substitutes

Pablo Zabaleta
(Replaced Fredericks) It's taken three years but he was delighted to finally score his first goal for the club - as were we as it broke a tense deadlock.


Pablo Fornals
(Replaced Snodgrass) A smashing cameo from a player who is improving with every performance. Scored the goal that put the tie to bed.


Carlos Sanchez
(Replaced Anderson) A strange sub, with only a few seconds of the game remaining. Perhaps Moyes is in on a cut of his appearance money.


Roberto Jimenez Gago
Did not play.


Winston Reid
Did not play.


Nathan Holland
Did not play.


Albian Ajeti
Did not play.



Match Facts

West Ham United: Lukasz Fabianski, Ryan Fredericks, Arthur Masuaku, Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna, Declan Rice, Robert Snodgrass, Manuel Lanzini, Felipe Anderson, Sebastien Haller.

Goals: Pablo Zabaleta 74 Pablo Fornals 90                .

Booked: Pablo Zabaleta 0          .

Sent off: None.

Gillingham: Bonham, Fuller (Ndjoli 86), Ehmer, Tucker, Ogilvie, Jones, O'Keefe, O'Connor (Marshall 79), Lee, Jakubiak (Charles-Cook 79), Hanlan.

Subs not used: Walsh, Hodson, Willock, Pringle.

Goals: .

Booked: Jones.

Sent off: None.

Referee: Andy Madley.

Attendance: 10,913.

Man of the Match: Angelo Ogbonna.